Northern Michigan University, located in Marquette, Michigan, is a dynamic four-year, public, comprehensive university that has grown its reputation based on its award-winning leadership programs, cutting-edge technology initiatives and nationally recognized academic programs. Northern has a population of about 9,000 undergraduate and graduate students.

Ask a few Northern students what drew them to our university and you will get a variety of answers. That's because there is no single thing that make students want to go to Northern; it is ALL the things that we do here. Northern is big enough to offer a wide variety of academic programs but is also small enough that every time you walk across campus, you'll probably wave "hi" to someone you know.

Curiosity is the raw ingredient of knowledge. It causes us to ask questions, to seek answers, to learn. At Northern Michigan University, natural curiosity and intellectual challenge meet in stimulating classes grounded in the liberal arts. So wherever your curiosity leads you, you can count on the support you need to take the next step, ask the next question, propose the next hypothesis.

Marquette, home of Northern Michigan University, was ranked as one of the safest college towns in America, according to The SafeWise Report. Northern takes pride in having a campus that is caring, inclusive and ready to take action in light of safety concerns. Northern encourages students, employees and visitors to make themselves familiar with the resources and services available for assistance in matters of safety.

The mission of the Northern Michigan University Department of Intercollegiate Athletics, Recreational Sports and the United States Olympic Training Site is to create an environment that promotes academic excellence, interpersonal growth and social development; embraces diversity; teaches lifetime leisure skills; fosters spirit and tradition; and builds a lifelong connection to NMU.

Yes, you'll attend your classes, but what else will you be doing as a student at Northern? There's so much stuff to choose from. There's a student organization or club – almost 300 at last count-- for just about every interest. If you're into investigating the paranormal, anime or improv comedy, there's a group. Cheer on your fellow Wildcats at a hockey game or volleyball match. Join a competitive club sport or an intramural team. The sky is the limit.

COVID-19 Borrower Relief Information

FEDERAL DIRECT LOAN BORROWERS

The U.S. Department of Education has made several announcements recently about relief to current borrowers of Federal Direct Loans.

Please understand that the NMU Financial Aid staff cannot answer questions about these announcements. Borrowers are being directed to contact their loan servicing company directly to find out what options are available.

Note that not all the options are automatic; the two months skipped payments are not automatic! You have to ask for them by contacting your loan servicer. IF YOU ARE ENROLLED AT LEAST HALF TIME RIGHT NOW, YOU ARE ALREADY DEFERRED AND DO NOT NEED TO REQUEST SKIPPED PAYMENTS, AS NONE ARE DUE.

PRIVATE EDUCATION LOAN BORROWERS

We have heard from many of the private lenders that they are offering assistance and repayment relief to student loan borrowers who are in repayment, or who have payments required while enrolled (not deferred). The list below is not all-inclusive; if you don’t see your lender below, reach out to their customer service hotline directly to find out what options are available.

DO:

Speak clearly, answer their identifying questions (name, SSN, DOB, etc.), and write down the name of the person you speak with. Thank them up front for helping you – these folks are swamped with calls right now

Let them know how your finances have been impacted (loss of a job in the household, for example), and ask what options they have available to assist you. Write down the options or the directions you are given. Many are going to direct you to their websites for step-by-step instructions.

Repeat back what you have heard, to make sure you have understood it correctly and know what your next step is.

DON’T:

Demand an answer immediately. The person you are talking to may not have all the answers right now, but can gather useful questions from you.

Be rude. Again, the person you are talking to is going through all the same kinds of things we are and they may be overwhelmed with calls. Be kind. We’re all doing the best we can under the circumstances.